Optimizing Blood Bank Operations - A centralized system for enhanced transfusion services in Rwanda's Healthcare

Abstract

This study presents a unified blood bank management system designed to improve the efficiency and reliability of blood distribution services in Rwanda, with a focus on the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The system addresses key challenges, including inconsistent blood supply, inefficient inventory management, and irregular blood donation campaigns. One of the system’s key features is enabling voluntary blood donors, particularly those near district and referral hospitals, to donate regularly without relying on sporadic donation campaigns. The system makes it easier for donors to schedule appointments at their nearest hospital, eliminating the need for donors to wait for irregular blood donation campaigns or travel long distances. For individuals who may live or work far from donation sites, the system reduces barriers such as transportation costs, time constraints, and work-related permissions. With a presence in all 30 districts of Rwanda and four referral hospitals, the system allows each district to function as a user linked to its corresponding district hospital. The system provides real-time updates whenever blood is donated or used for transfusion, ensuring accurate tracking of blood availability. In case of shortages, the system facilitates inter-hospital blood transfer, ensuring that critical blood types are shared between hospitals as needed. Users can also request blood from other hospitals, and once a request is accepted, the system automatically triggers the blood transfer. Data analysis, conducted using SPSS, STATA, and R, demonstrates significant improvements in blood supply, transfusion safety, and operational efficiency. This unified system provides a scalable solution for optimizing blood management, benefiting Rwanda and other similar healthcare settings